From the Bishop: Intercessory Prayer

This Saturday, I am excited to be the speaker and preacher at the Daughters of the King (DOK) Fall Assembly in Gadsden.

The Daughters of the King are a fellowship of women of all ages and life experiences who share a deep belief in the power of prayer, especially intercessory prayer. DOK members pray daily by name for every person on their parish’s prayer list, as well as for their clergy and bishop. I know firsthand how much these prayers mean. 

Daughters are often recognized by the silver cross they wear, a symbol designed exclusively for members of the Order. The Reverend Dr. Marge Doyle, a wise priest in our diocese, serves as the spiritual director. Click here to learn more about DOK in the Diocese of Alabama.

The Book of Common Prayer defines intercessory prayer as prayer that “brings before God the needs of others” (p. 857). Intercession is one of many kinds of prayer.

It’s not always easy to see the results of our prayers. Yet we trust that the Holy Spirit is present, moving among us and bringing the help that this hurting world so deeply needs and seeks. I also trust that God answers prayers in ways I cannot understand or appreciate. May the Holy Spirit, then, inspire our prayers and, ultimately, our actions. – Bishop Richard